Autumn flavors – Easy Minestrone recipe

Minestrone in Italian literally means ‘big soup’ and is considered a true staple in the Mediterranean diet. The cuisine that is best well-known in this country are normally the ones with humble beginnings which is fabulous because I am pretty poor myself {take a look at average salaries in Italy} yet I like to eat healthy (in theory). This dish is one of my personal favorites and as soon as it gets a little cooler, it finds its way as one of my autumn staples. Putting together what veggies you have, along with a bit of broth and pasta and you have a healthy dish that can feed your family – or at least me for at least a week.

Common ingredients normally include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes and there really is no set recipe for this soup. I normally use whatever veggies I pick up at the market that week and I always make sure to keep a few bottles of tomato puree and canned whole tomatoes in my house for days that inspire a huge pot-o-soup.

For someone who works a lot, this is super easy to make and what can be better than throwing a ton of vegetables in a pot and letting it simmer away into a deep-sea of goodness while pretending you are a maestro in the kitchen? Plus it makes great leftovers.

1 or two cans of beans (I like Tuscan white beans, kidney beans or chickpeas)/fagioli

salt and pepper/sale e pepe

*save your Parmigiano cheese rinds to add to the pot

Instructions:

Get a big pot and throw in your olive oil, garlic, leek, carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf, oregano and simmer until the veggies are softened (takes about 10-15 minutes). Add tomatoes, Parmigiano rinds, potatoes, broth, beans and let simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes. You want to add your pasta about 10 minutes before you are ready to serve. Top with shredded parmesan (optional) and accompany with crusty bread, toasted and rubbed with raw garlic and a little olive oil & salt.

Voila you have yourself a pretty tasty, healthy and soup worthy of a pat on the back :).

Photo by David Loftus

I want to hear from you! What do you add to your minestrone? Share your tips below

Author

Georgette Jupe is a 'Tuscan Texan' writing, blogging digital marketing maven based in Florence, Italy. When she's not at her day job at Italy Magazine, she's providing travel, foodie & life tips via her blog 'Girl in Florence'. Hobbies include too much wine drinking, the hunt for the 'perfect' Moscow mule and thrill seeking!

Sign up to get Girl in Florence via Email

Sign up for new posts along with thousands of other followers and connect via social media, 100% no spam

Name

Email *

Ciao I'm Georgette! A curious American digital marketing strategist, Freelance writer and a certifiable ‘Tuscan Texan’ living and breathing all things Florence. I blog about scooting around Europe & Italy and sharing local spots I love. Slow food, anything with ginger & beagle mentions make their home here. Keep in touch with my adventures with your favorite glass of vino and join the fun!

Special deal for #GirlInFlorence Fans, For those who book even one night at Villa Campestri in Tuscany from March 27 to April 30, 2015 and adds #girlinflorence, they will get a bottle Italian prosecco in their room with a fresh fruit basket, and a free 250ml bottle of Cosimo's Olive Oil.

Connect With Girl in Florence

Girl in Florence aka Georgette Jupe

I started this blog as a writing outlet for me to share what it is I adore about the beautiful city of Florence and Italy also sharing travel tips and stories along the way. Now 'Girl in Florence' includes foodie hotspots, local tips and travel posts from all over Europe. I'd love to think of myself as a fearless badass but If I am keeping it 100% real on this blog a quote that I sort of live by is"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." I hope you enjoy this journey with me.